Saiysad National Park

Saiysad National Park is a nature park north-east of the city of Taif in Makkah Region, in an area of wadis and rocky hills on the edge of the city. It is one of the open country parks in which the land has been left in its natural state, with places prepared for sitting and picnicking.

The name Saiysad has long been attached to a wadi that carries floodwater in the rainy seasons. In the area stands an old stone dam known as the Saiysad Dam, dating from the early Islamic period and bearing an inscription that dates it to the reign of the caliph Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan. The dam shows how long people have been concerned with holding back floodwater and using it for agriculture around Taif. The area was later set aside as a park to protect its vegetation and make it accessible to visitors.

Acacia, sidr and other plants of the dry mountain environment grow in the park. Residents go there to picnic, barbecue and sit under the trees, particularly in mild weather and after rainfall. The park is a natural area close to Taif that combines recreation with the historical interest of the old dam.